Manchester City coach Attilio Lombardo believes Edin Dzeko could have a future at the club despite speculation linking the striker with a move elsewhere.

Dzeko played a part in City's title-winning campaign last season but struggled to hold down a regular starting role as the campaign developed.

City boss Roberto Mancini has a wealth of attacking options and reports have suggested he could be willing to let the Bosnia-Herzegovina international leave this summer, with a number of clubs thought to be interested.

Lombardo cannot say for certain that Dzeko will stay, but feels he does have the ability to be successful at the Etihad Stadium.

"Dzeko is a big player, and I think Manchester City want big players," Lombardo told Sky Sports News after City had been beaten by Oldham in a friendly on Tuesday night.

"It is not surprising because Dzeko for me is a player who can play here again for more time, but I don't know."

Lombardo was also unable to provide an update on Emmanuel Adebayor, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham and had looked set to secure a permanent move to White Hart Lane earlier in the summer.

Asked if there was interest from other clubs in Adebayor, Lombardo said: "I don't know."

City fielded a strong side against Oldham, while there was also a start for trialist Mario Jelavic.

The highly-rated Hajduk Split forward, 18, has been granted the opportunity to train with the club and try to impress.